E 
H- lib 

V 



CORRESPONDENCE 



RELATING TO 



Fortification of Morris Island 



OPERATIONS OF ENGII.JIERS 



CHARLESTON, S. C, 1863. 



New York. 
JOHN J . ( ■ A r L O N , PRINTER, 2 O V E S E Y STREET. 




Glass f^^^ 
Book_J^s::g 



CORRESPONDENCE 



RELATING TO 



Fortification of Morris Island 



OPERATIONS OF ENGINEERS. 



CHARLESTON, S. C, 1863. 



New York. 
JOHN J. CAUL ON, PRINTER, 2 VESEY STREET. 

1878. 



£- 



b7- 



T^^^ 



4o5 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



Headquarters First Military District, 
Department S. C, Georgia & Florida, 

Charleston, S. C, May 24th, 1863. 

General:— The continued occupation and activity of the 
enemy on Folly Island, may reasonably lead us to expect an 
attack from that direction, sooner or later, unless we are thor- 
oughly prepared to receive it. What their force is we have no 
means of ascertaining, and from the great reduction in our 
numbers it is impossible to employ scouting parties in such 
strength as to furnish an approximation. Steamers are seen to 
communicate with them from time to time ; but whether they 
bring or carry away troops, or whether they are merely supply 
vessels, are matters of doubt. 

From personal observation, I have the honor to state that the 
preparations which are going on under the Engineer Depart- 
ment, for communication with, and the defence of Morris 
Island, are dilatory, and will not be finished according to pre- 
sent appearances for a long period. The bridge over the first 
creek south of Fort Johnson is commenced ; the ferry arrange- 
ments over Light House Creek, and the causewavs over The 
Soft Marsh are only started. The progress on the' Battery at 
Vincent's Creek, which was ordered some six weeks since, con- 
sisted, a few days ago, in the hulk being in position, and the 
collection of a few mounds of mud, sand and shells, about one- 
fourth enough to fill the hulk, and which would hardiv be effi- 
cient material for an epaulement. 

The Northern route of connection, will, in my opinion, be of 
little use, and especially inconvenient when finished, as at pre- 
sent commenced. On the Southern route, from Millichamps' 
house, on James Island, a bridge has been commenced, and the 
uprights of a foot-way placed along the Northern shore of 
Light House Creek, partially floored over. Material has been 



collected at different points, but as this route is, I understand, 
to go to Black Island, and thence to Morris Island, there will 
be twice as much to do as has been accomplished in the past 
six weeks, in length, even if the parts in progress were finished, 
which they are not, and probably will not be for three weeks to 
come. When done, the route will be a temporary affair, and 
only useful in extreme cases. 

The work on Fort Sumter, as usual, is going on slowly. No 
work is progressing at Battery Bee, nor on Morris Island, 
except a little being done by the troops. 

At the Southern extremity of Morris Island there are now 
seven guns, of which four command the crossing at Light 
House Inlet. Two of these are of long range. It is my pur- 
pose to increase this armament by one 30 pounder Parrott. 

The guns are in detached batteries, and in strong position, 
but they are unprovided with Magazines ; the communications 
are not arranged, and from waiting for engineers to build and 
finish up Magazines, the sickness of the Artillery Ofiicer in com- 
mand, and the inefficient supply of ordnance material, they are 
all badly prepared for service. 

With these facts before me, and believing from the state in 
which work, on which the Engineer Department is employed 
at present, that it will be in vain to expect the work to be done 
by engineers, I intend to send a strong and efficient company 
to that point, under a competent officer, to cause him to be sup- 
plied with material, and to have the Magazines put up, fitted 
and supplied, and the batteries in readiness for service as quickly 
as possible — employing the labor of the soldiers — and so soon 
as they are in proper condition, to increase the armament at 
that point by a ten inch mortar, and open fire upon the enemy, 
to prevent the advance of his works on Little Folly Island, 
and the possibility of his attempting a passage. 

After several ineffectual efforts to have some arrangements 
made by which heavy guns can be rifled and banded at the 
Arsenal — there being nobody at that establishment capable of 
the work — I have arranged with Mr. Cameron, to put up a fur- 
nace himself, that the business can be proceeded with, and have 
ordered the iron from Atlanta. 

I propose, if our heavy guns can be rifled and banded pro- 
perly, and the south end of Morris Island be strengthened, so 
that it can be held against a strong attack, to place several at 



5 

different points on the shore to command the whole anchorage 
from inside the Bar to Fort Sumter, to prevent the possibility 
of assistance to disabled iron-clads, by wooden vessels inside. 
This occurred after the action of the 7th of April, for five days, 
and we were powerless to prevent it, for want of a few guns of 
respectable calibre and range in such positions. 

I have to request that the Chief of Artillery and Ordnance, 
be ordered to turn over two of the carronades now in Battery 
Gadberry to the Ordnance Officer of the first Military District. 
They are wanted to complete the flank defences of Battery 
Wagner. There are two forty-two pounder carronades at 
Secessionville, on navy carriages, which can replace them, but 
it will take long, I fear, to supply them wuth siege carriages, 
and with the present means they are inconvenient and almost 
unserviceable in the position required. 

I have also to request that the Engineers may be ordered to 
place suitable timber, if they have any, for the Magazines on 
Morris Island, at my disposal. It can be replaced in a short 
time. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier Gen I Comd'g. 
To Brigadier General Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 



NOTE: 

The communication from Capt. Cheves, with the endorse- 
ment by Lieut. Col. Harris, alluded to in the letter from Brig- 
adier General Ripley, to Brigadier General Jordan, of the 6th 
of June, 1863, was returned with the last named to Department 
Headquarters. It was, in effect, reporting to Lieut. Col. Harris 
that work was progressing under Capt. John Mitchell, ist 
Regiment S. C. Artillery, for the defence of the Southern 
extremity of Morris Island, which ought to have been done by 
engineer officers. Lieut. Col. Harris referred it to Department 
Headquarters, with the request that he be informed whether 
this proceeding met the approval of the Commanding General. 



6 

The letter was then referred to Brigadier General Ripley, for 
remarks. These are given in the following communication : — 

Headquarters First Military District, 

Department S. C, Georgia & Florida, 

Charleston, S. C, June 6th, 1863. 

General : — I have received a paper from Capt. Cheves, 
covered by one from Lieut. Col. Harris, in reference to pre- 
paration of batteries on Morris Island. Referring to my letter 
of May 24th, it will be seen that my intention was then an- 
nounced of ordering such work, and the reasons were indi- 
cated. 

About the tenth of March last, it was determined by the 
Commanding General to have the southern end of Morris 
Island fortified and armed. This was before the occupation of 
Folly Island by the enemy. Details were furnished from Col. 
Graham's Regiment ; the armament was sent over and some 
progress was made, but it was slow in the extreme. One 
reason, I am satisfied, was the carelessness and inattention of 
the engineer officers. Who was first in charge of the construc- 
tion of the detached batteries I do not know, but I am aware 
that several times the working parties were at their posts, and 
no engineer officer was present to direct their operations. Col. 
Graham reported to me several times that the engineer officer 
often left the work for days together. The batteries were, after 
some Aveeks, placed under Capt. Cheves, and some progress 
was made. Meantime, before the batteries were finished, the 
attack of the 7th of April took place, and the enemy occupied 
Folly Island. Soon after the repulse of the main attack, they 
commenced fortifying Folly Island, opposite Schooner Creek, 
another creek emptying into Folly River north of it, and across 
the neck separating the main Island and Little Folly. These 
indications of a permanent occupation, and preparations for an 
attack, led me to watch the progress of our own works. Re- 
peated visits showed but little progress, and finally, finding 
that more than two months had elapsed while the works had 
been in charge of the engineers and the batteries not prepared 
for service, while the enemy's works were steadily progressing, 
I determined to have the works which the engineers would not 



or could not do, accomplished by some one Avho would and 
could. After sending Capt. Mitchell over to see the state of 
things, and to prepare for doing the work. Col. Harris and 
Capt. Cheves called on me with suggestions in regard to the 
matter. Feeling satisfied that, if left to no other superinten- 
dence than that which had been previously exercised, it would 
progress in very much the same style, I directed Captain Mit- 
chell to proceed. He proceeded to Morris Island, and although 
the weather has interfered to a considerable extent, the ma- 
terial has been sent over ; the main Magazine is far advanced ; 
a mortar battery is in process of construction, and a battery for 
a Parrott gun has been commenced. I have been urging the 
business forward, and I hope to have the work in readiness to 
open fire by Wednesday next, so as to cover Little Folly, and 
interfere with the advancing of works in that direction by the 
enemy, if indeed they have not already got them in readiness, 
while we were, from some cause or other, to be explained by the 
engineer department, doing next to nothing. Having noticed 
frequently that when details have been furnished for engineer's 
work they were but partially employed, and laying idle for 
some portion of their time, I have directed commanding officers 
to ascertain and report, from time to time, what they w^ere do- 
ing. Col. Graham furnished a detail some time ago for the 
bridge to Black Island, and has informed me that several 
days they have, from some cause or another, done little or 
nothing. Col. Simonton's command furnished another detail 
a few days since for the same work. I enclose a copy of his 
report on this subject. 

I have been given to understand that one difficulty of which 
the engineer department complains, is the want of transporta- 
tion. This is undoubtedly well grounded, but I am informed 
by the Quartermaster, that they generally have from four to 
six of the nine or ten boats in the harbor. Whether it is from 
want of energy, attention, or proper combination of their re- 
sources, they get on slowly ; and sometimes, as in the last case 
on Morris Island, material which has been laying for weeks is 
transported and got in position by other parties, with such 
means as remain after the engineer department has its trans- 
portation. 

From months of observation, from repeated reports of com- 
manding officers, some of which have been transmitted to the 



8 

Headquarters of the Department, I am satisfied that much of 
the labor, both of negroes and soldiers, which has been from 
time to time furnished the engineer department, has not been 
fully made use of ; and from the manner in which it has been 
managed, I doubt not, much of the difficulty in obtaining labor 
has arisen. 

The engineers are not under my control, even in my own 
command, but when I see work, which is absolutely necessary, 
lagging and remaining unfinished for want of attention or other 
cause, I respectfully suggest that it is my duty to have it for- 
warded by such measures as are in my power. In this case, I 
trust it will soon be in a proper state. Meantime the enemy 
have got their guns in position on the neck of Folly Island, 
and have several times opened fire. We have been behind- 
hand, and as the work was not being done by those who had it 
in charge, I have caused it to progress by other means. 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier Gen I Coitid'g. 

To Brigadier General Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 



Headquarters First Military District, 

Department S. C, Georgia & Florida. 

Charleston, S. C, June 14th, 1863. 

General : — I have the honor to report that yesterday after- 
noon, the enemy having appeared to be at work on Little Folly 
Island, Lieut. Col. Yates opened fire upon them, shelling them 
for about three-quarters of an hour, putting a stop to their 
operations, which appeared to be erecting a shelter or batteries 
near the Inlet. A close watch has been directed to be kept up, 
and their work to be stopped whenever attempted. 

It is intended to throw an epaulement across the Island, to 
cover the camps and depots from such attempts as the enemy 
can make. 

The main Magazine for the detached batteries is completed, 
and the artillery principally supplied with ammunition. 



9 

It may be necessary to change the position of one of the guns 
now in battery, as from the points at which the enemy appeared' 
to be working, two or three of our batteries can be enfiladed. 

I have directed Lieut. Col. Yates to make the necessary ar- 
rangements. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier Ge?i'l Covid'g. 

To Brigadier General Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 



(copy) Inspector General's Office, 

Charleston, S. C, June i8th, 1863. 

General : — In compliance with instructions from the 
General Commanding, I examined the papers on file at Depart- 
ment Headquarters, relative to complaints of General Ripley, 
about matters concerning the engineer department, and I now 
beg leave to svibmit the following report : 

Gen. Ripley, in his letters of May 24th and Jvine 6th, 1863, to 
Department Headquarters, states in substance, that the works 
ordered on Morris Island, the repairs on Fort Sumter, and the 
bridges and causeways from James Island to Morris Island, are 
progressing very slowly, and with apparent negligence and 
carelessness on the part of the engineer in charge of them. 
That the continued occupation and activity of the enemy on 
Folly Island should lead us to expect an attack from that 
direction. That in view of such events, and believing from the 
actual state of things that it would be in vain to rely on the 
engineers for tlie Avork to be done, he intends to send a strong 
and efficient company to the southern extremity of Morris 
Island, under a competent officer, to cause him to be supplied 
with material, and to have the Magazines, &c., pvit up, and bat- 
teries in readiness for service as quickly as possible. 

General Ripley, referring to the reports of Colonels Graham 
and Simonton, condemns the manner in which the bridges and 
causeway from James to Morris Island are being constructed ; 
and asserts that the officer in charge of the works on Morris 
Island has been careless and inattentive to his duties. That 



10 

working parties, consisting of details from Col. Graham's 
Regiment, were several times at their posts, and no engineer 
was present to direct their operations. That at other times, the 
details of men furnished for engineer's work were only par- 
tially employed, while others were lying idle some portion of 
the time. That being of opinion that months would elapse 
before said works could be completed, while those of the 
enemy were fast progressing, he finally placed Captain Mitchell, 
of the ist S. C. Artillery, in charge of the works on Morris 
Island. That he believes circumstances justified him in taking 
such a step, &c. 

Lieut. Col. Harris, chief engineer of the department, to whom 
Gen. Ripley's letters were referred, forwards to Department 
Headquarters the reports of Major Echols, Capt. Howard, Mr. 
Cheves, Mr. White and Mr. Matthews' communications in ex- 
planation of the character and condition of the works alluded 
to, and of the tardiness in their construction complained of by 
Gen. Ripley. 

Lieut. Col. Harris says the delay spoken of is not chargeable 
to the engineer department, but chiefly owing to the want of 
labor and transportation, which has been, and is still, a serious 
drawback to the prosecution of the defensive works, not only in 
this Military District, but in the whole department. 

The report of Capt. Howard, in charge of the bridges and 
causeways from James Island to Morris Island, and the en- 
dorsement of Major Echols, confirming the statements of said 
reports, show that the bridges and causeways spoken of — 
though not made of the very best material — are amply suffi- 
cient for the purposes they were designed, to wit : for the pas- 
sage of Infantry ; and that in their actual unfinished condition 
they could now be used, in all safety for the passage of troops. 

Yesterday, agreeably to instructions from the Commanding 
General, I visited, with Lieut. Col. Harris, said bridges and 
causeways, or rather such portions of them — beginning from 
Legare's point — as were reported upon by Col. Simonton. My 
opinion confirms what is asserted by Major Echols and Capt. 
Howard. The bridges and causeways are not finished, but will 
be, in all probability, in about two weeks. As soon as the 
communication from James Island to Morris Island will be 
established, so as to allow troops to be sent from one Island to 
another, in case of an emergency, then it is the design of Lieut. 



11 

Col. Harris, to have the bridges and causeways strengthened all 
the way, by adding intermediate supports and braces of suffi- 
cient resistance, should the case require it. That course, I 
submit, was the best that could be adopted. The object was 
to establish a communication as soon as possible between the 
two Islands. That being accomplished, we could then 
strengthen the works, and take our time to do it. 

A careful perusal of the reports of the different engineers, 
shows that no blame can be attached to that department. The 
works may have been delayed, and in many instances have 
been ; but I believe, through no neglect on the part of the en- 
gineer department. Engineers are not expected to give any 
direct orders to details of soldiers furnished to work on en- 
trenchments or other military constructions. That duty falls 
on the officers sent in with the details. The fact is, engineers 
have no right to give such orders. They furnish all necessary 
plans, instructions and explanations to the officers in com- 
mand of the details ; and it becomes then the duty of those 
officers, and not of the engineers, to execute them under the 
general supervision of the latter. 

I would suggest that three, at least, of the nine steamers or 
job boats now plying in the harbor should be permanently 
turned over to the engineer corps, to be under the entire con- 
trol of said corps, it being understood that on proper requisi- 
tion to the chief engineer, said boats would be temporarily 
employed by the Quartermaster's department for general 
transportation purposes ; now as things are regulated, the 
engineer department is never certain of having boats when 
they require them ; so at least I am informed by Lieut. Col. 
Harris. 

The removal of Captain Langdon Cheves, on Morris Island, 
and the assignment of Capt. Mitchell to engineering duties, 
by order of Gen. Ripley, are in my opinion, in violation of 
General Orders, No. 95, the second paragraph of which reads 
as follows : 

" All field and other military works in this department, will 
"be ordered, planned, located, and constructed, as far as prac- 
"ticable, only under orders from these Headquarters, super- 
" intended by the chief engineer and his assistants, except when 
" this course shall be impracticable or attended ivith undue delay, 
" in which cases the commanders of Districts will be authorized 



12 

" to give the necessary orders to and through the senior en- 
" gineer officer on duty in their Districts, for immediate exe- 
" cution. Plans of the works thus ordered, and the ends to be 
" subserved by their construction, will be promptly forwarded 
" to these Headquarters." 

The report of Capt. Cheves, and the remarks of Col. Harris, 
show conclusively, that Gen. Ripley, did not follow the re- 
quirements of this order. Capt. Mitchell was sent to Morris 
Island to take charge of works properly assigned to an en- 
gineer officer, and no notice of the fact — though, indeed a very 
extraordinary one — was ever given to the district engineer, or 
to the chief engineer of the department. 

I know that good motives could only have actuated Gen. 
Ripley, in issuing such an order. His activity and untiring 
zeal are familiar to all in his Military District. Doubtless he 
did not intend to disregard the General Order alluded to 
above ; but the fact of his having done so, whether willingly or 
not, is very palpable, however, and was calculated to delay, 
instead of advancing, the completion of the works he was so 
anxious to have in operation. 

In conclusion, I would suggest that Capt. L. Cheves, be re- 
instated in the direction of the works on Morris Island ; that 
proper steps be taken to ensure prompt transportation of all 
material required by the engineer department, and that the 
details of men on the bridges and causeways from James to 
Morris Island be increased to at least double the number 
actually employed on said work. 

Respectfully, 

(Signed) ALFRED ROMAN, Lt. Col. and Insp'r. Gen. 

To Brigadier General Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 

Official: (Signed) E. Kearney, A. A. A. General. 

For infor?fiation of Gen. RIPLEY, Comd'g ist Military Dist. 

Official : Wm. F. Nance, A. A. General ist Military District, 
Department South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. 



13 

Headquarters Department S. C, Ga. & Fla. 

Charleston, S. C, June 20th, 1863. 

General :— Your letter of the 24th of May, relative to the 
general services of the engineers in your district, was together 
with the communication of the chief engineer, and his several 
subordinates submitted by the Commanding General, on the 
14th instant, to the Inspector General of the Department, who 
made his report on the i8th instant. The whole subject mat- 
ter was then carefully considered by the Commanding General, 
whose views and conclusions I am instructed to communicate 
to the following effect : 

The delays complained of are not rightly attributed to either 
the neglect or carelessness of the engineers in charge of the 
works on Morris Island, but have been due chiefly to the want 
of labor and means of transportation, which have been, and 
still are, serious drawbacks to the completion of the defensive 
works in the ist Military District, South Carolina. When 
work is done on fortifications by details of soldiers, the en- 
gineer officers in charge have a general supervision of the 
work in progress ; they furnish as far as practicable the tools 
and material required, and the plans, and give to the officers 
of the line, in immediate command of the working parties, any 
explanations that may be wanted ; but the latter alone are 
responsible for any delays which may occur from the manner 
in which the men shall do the work. The engineer in charge, 
however, is expected to report to his chief any lack of energy 
or zeal on the part of the working parties, and which shall, 
without delay, be brought by the chief engineer to the notice 
of the District commander, who, of course, will promptly apply 
the necessary remedies. 

Therefore, the course pursued in removing Mr. Cheves from 
the charge of the works on Morris Island, and substituting in 
his place an artillery officer. Captain Mitchell, is disapproved 
as not called for by the ends in view. Capt. Mitchell properly 
should have been placed in immediate command of the working 
details, in accordance with the orders of this department, and 
no advantage has been gained by the deviation from these or- 
ders. Mr. Cheves will therefore be restored to his duties as 
engineer in charge of the works on Morris Island. 

Upon investigation, the bridges and causeways complained 
of, though not made of the best material, or as substantial as 



1 



14 

may be desired, yet in the emergency for which they were 
provided, it is believed, can be used with safety for the passage 
of Infantry, as soon as the communication shall have been 
established between James and Morris Island. Rapid and 
early means of communication between the points in question 
were deemed more essential than mere strength of the struc- 
ture. Greater strength can viltimately be secured by addition 
of braces and intermediate supports, as designed by the chief 
engineer, who will take the proper measures to increase the 
strength of the working parties engaged in the work. 

Should the grass near the causeways be liable to catch fire, 
it should be kept closely mowed by the troops on James and 
Morris Islands, for at least fifty feet on each side, as a precau- 
tion against destruction by fire.* 

The Quartermaster's Department will be instructed to ensure 
the utmost possible dispatch in the transportation of all the 
material needed by the engineers. 

Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. 

To Brigadier General R. S. Ripley, Comd'g. ist Military 
District, Charleston, S. C. 



Headquarters First Military District, 
Department S. C, Georgia & Florida, 
Charleston, S. C, June 23rd, 1863. 

General : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a 
copy of a communication from Lieut. Col. Roman, Inspector 
General, to yourself, relating to certain communications from 
these Headquarters to those of the Department, concerning the 
operations of engineers in this District ; and a communication 
from yourself, of the date of the 20th instant, expressing the 
views and opinions of the Commanding General, which ap- 
pear to be based upon the report of Lieut. Colonel Roman. 
Believing that report has been made without due examination, 
and that it is in some degree unjust to myself, I beg respect- 
fully to submit the following : 

* The whole distance traversed by the proposed causeway, was across creeks and marshes, 
covered to the depth of two or more feet, at high water. 



15 

It appears that the examination of Lieut. Col. Roman into 
the matter, has been to carefully peruse reports of Lieut. Col. 
Harris, Major Echols, Captain Howard, Mr. Cheves, and Mr. 
White, all officers or employees of engineers, and to visit with 
Lieut. Col. Harris, a part of the cause or footway now under 
construction by officers of the Engineer Department, between 
James and Morris Islands. Upon the contents of the reports 
mentioned, and such casual inspection, Lieut. Col. Roman 
bases the first part of his report, with reference to the cause or 
footway and its construction. 

I opine that Lieut. Col. Roman, has misapprehended the 
communications from these Headquarters, which it seems he has 
reviewed with regard to the bridge or cause or footway under 
construction, and instead of looking to the manner of employ- 
ing force — military or hired — engaged, has given his opinion 
on the character of the structure. On the last ordered by the 
Commanding General, I have nothing to remark. Concerning 
the employment of troops detailed for the service, forming part 
of my command, I respectfully suggest that it was my duty to 
know, and as mentioned in the communications which have 
been reviewed by Lieut. Col. Roman, having been informed by 
Co!. Graham of the manner in which details from his Regiment 
were employed, I took occasion to observe the work and re- 
ported, as in my letter of the 24th May. I do not see in Lieut. 
Col. Roman's communication anything to controvert the facts 
stated in that letter. Indeed I think, from his report, the 
opinions expressed are well verified, since his report is dated 
more than three weeks after the date of the communication 
which he reviews ; and the work as far as he went, was not 
finished on the i8th inst. 

In this regard, I beg respectfully to state that applications 
were made soon after my letter of the 24th of May, on the sub- 
ject of details of soldiers — but no officers — for the work in 
question. These were furnished at once, and commanding 
officers of sub-divisions were directed to inspect and report on 
the progress. Col. Simonton did report in writing, stating 
that the men were apparently fully employed, but giving his 
opinion upon the character of the structure, as it was when he 
saw it. Not having been informed of the intentions of the 
chief engineer, orally or otherwise, I beg respectfully to repre- 
sent that Col. Simonton could only report of things as he 



16 

found them. And as the bridges are within the limits of my 
command, and it is the intention of the chief engineer, who it 
seems has charge of the work, to make it a more stable struc- 
ture than that which Col. Simonton reports was at the date of 
his letter being built, and additional forces to be put upon it, I 
have respectfully to state that I shall upon proper requisition 
furnish all the force and material under my control to carry 
out the orders, wishes or views of the Commanding General. 

The point in the report or communication of Lieut. Col. 
Roman, however, which calls for notice at my hands par- 
ticularly, as Commanding Officer of the first Military District, 
is his review of my conduct in causing the batteries at the 
south end of Morris Island to be placed in proper condition for 
service by Capt. Mitchell, ist S. C. Artillery, regardless of 
there being an acting engineer officer in charge of works on 
Morris Island, Mr. L. Cheves, and without consultation with 
engineers, &c. 

Before noticing this matter, Lieut. Col. Roman gives his 
opinions on the duties of the engineer officers, which I beg 
respectfully to suggest appear to be rather negative than 
positive. It appears, according to Lieut. Col. Roman, that the 
engineer officers are not to be expected to give any direct 
orders to details of soldiers, furnished to work on entrench- 
ments or other military constructions, and that they have no 
right to give such orders. I opine, however, that it is their 
duty to lay out the work in accordance with directions which 
have been given by superior officers, and to see that its nature 
it understood. 

In regard to the averments made in my letter of the 24th of 
May, concerning the works on Morris Island, in which it was 
stated that one reason for the delay in constructing them was 
the carelessness or inattention of the engineer officer in charge. 
My grounds for making this averment, were that on several 
occasions, one in particular, in which 1 was accompanied by 
Gen. G. W. Smith, I saw a party of over fifty men, with an 
officer, ready to go to work, but without directions. Not a 
stake was placed, not a line was stretched — and on inquiring 
of the officer in charge, I was told that no engineer had ever 
informed him of the work to be done, and that he did not know 
what he was to do ; and this was when the enemy was in our 
harbor, and on Folly Island, and about a month after the 



17 

work, which was neither extensive or difficult, had been or- 
dered and approved by the Commanding General. That time 
I directed the work myself. Calling on Colonel Graham, he 
told me that he had never been informed by the engineer officer 
of the work to be done, although it was to be executed by his 
troops, and was in his command, and that he had not seen him 
for some days. All which he knew of the fortifications, details, 
&c., had been learned from myself. Calling upon Mr. Cheves, 
at Battery Wagner, he knew nothing of the work, it not being 
under his charge. Reporting it to the engineer officer in 
Charleston, it was learned that all the works on Morris Island 
had been placed under Mr. Cheves. Subsequent visits showed 
certain works of small magnitude progressing without any in- 
formation of the nature of the works being communicated 
either to myself or the commanding officer of the Island, while 
matters essential to the service of the batteries were utterly 
neglected, until about the 24th of May it was found that the 
enemy was gaining upon us, and that the works so far as pro- 
gressed with, were useless for want of completion. His guns 
were mounted, and I had no right to believe were not ready for 
service. Ours I know were not ready, and I took the action 
indicated in my letter of the 24th of May. 

This letter Lieut. Col. Roman has especially misappre- 
hended, and has based a criticism on my military conduct 
upon such misapprehension, stating that I have been guilty of 
a palpable violation of General Orders No. 95, from the 
Headquarters of the Department, series of 1862. It is regretted 
by myself, since this criticism has been sustained by the Com- 
manding General, that Lieut. Col. Roman, had not made some 
allusion in his strictures, to Special Orders No. 56 of the 
current series of this year. Following the instructions of that 
order, as well as the requisitions of necessity, the batteries at 
the southern end of Morris Island being unfinished and un- 
prepared, I caused them to be put in order with such force as 
was at my disposal. Whatever changes were absolutely neces- 
sary, were reported to the Headquarters of the Department. 

With regard to removing Mr. Cheves from the charge of the 
works, I have the honor to state that he was removed from the 
charge of no works on which he was engaged. Personal ob- 
servation and the reports of the commanding officer, informed 
me that nothing had been done to the batteries for several 



18 

days, and but little for some weeks. I applied for Mr. Cheves 
to report to me for this special work, and I desired him to 
report to me, because the work was to be done by officers and 
soldiers, was necessary, and I wished to be certain that it 
should be at once completed. No answer was returned, and in 
conversation with Mr. Cheves, he declined to go on with it or 
furnish any assistance. Subsequently, he reported that he had 
been virtually displaced, and had applied his force to other 
works on Morris Island and the bridge, which was perhaps 
fortunate, as these had been so long unfinished and unattended 
to as to furnish incontestible proof of the inability of the 
engineer corps to do the work with which they were charged. 
Mr. Cheves' subsequent conduct in discharging the men who 
were employed, has met the approval of the chief engineer 
and that of the commanding General, though I cannot but 
believe, without the full knowledge of the facts of the case. 
From the statements of Lieut. Col. Yates, and other officers, 
and from what I know to be the case, the ground of his 
abandoning his work, being the want of shelter for his em- 
ployees, the necessity was doubtful. I cannot but think that 
the action appeared very much as evincing a disposition to 
prevent any one else from finishing necessary works upon 
which he had been engaged in dilatory action for months 
without completion. 

The opinion is expressed in the communication of Lieut. 
Col. Roman, that my action in causing work, which had not 
been finished by the engineers for twelve weeks from the time 
it had been ordered, to be done by troops under Capt. Mitchell, 
delayed it. 

With a high appreciation of the military experience, knowl- 
edge of locality, and resources, as well as the talent for readily 
understanding the facts of a case relating to military defence^ 
possessed by the Inspector General, as his information was 
derived from engineers and employees, without consultation 
with those whose reputation and lives were more or less in- 
volved in the delays and negligencies of the construction — 1 
must respectfully state that I prefer in such a matter to be 
guided by the results of my own observation, and the reports 
of military officers cognizant of the daily progress. Mr 
Cheves and the engineers, made no effort to erect magazines 
and complete the batteries. The reason which they gave, was 



19 

the want of transportation— Lieut. Col. Roman adopts their 
excuse, and apparently did not ascertain how much they had. 
To show the state of the case, and as an example of the extent 
to which the Inspector General examined into the matter 
before giving his opinion, I have the honor to enclose two 
memoranda from the Quartermaster's Department, showing 
the boats used by the engineers exclusively, daily, from the ist 
March to the roth of June, and the number used by the Quar- 
termaster's Department for the same time. The average of 
boats used by the engineers, it will be seen, is 3,64-100 more 
than Lieut. Col. Roman recommends should be furnished 
them. By the Quartermaster's Department an average of 2J 
was used, showing an excess for the engineers ; and besides 
the Quartermaster's boats have transported during that time no 
inconsiderable portion of their materials, including all the 
lumber used in the Magazines under discussion. 

Another difficulty suggested by Mr. Cheves, was that after 
the timber was on Morris Island, he could not transport it to 
the position of the Magazine, because his mules were not fed. 
From inquiries made of the Quartermasters having the matter 
in charge, I believe there has always been a supply of corn on 
Morris Island, although not always equally distributed, the 
transportation having been sometimes interfered with by the 
weather, and the boats being in use by the engineers. Other 
animals did not suffer, and although Mr. Cheves expressed the 
opinion that the timber could not be hauled to its place, and his 
opinion had some weight with Capt. Mitchell, the effort was 
made and the work completed. 

With regard to the delay suggested by Lieut. Col. Roman, I 
beg respectfully to state that Capt. Mitchell commenced his 
work about the ist of June — no answer having been received 
to my communication of the 24th of May — had his Magazine 
completed, his batteries in order and supplied by the nth, 
opened fire on the 12th, which has been continued from time 
to time with the effect of giving a check to the enemy's works 
and reconnoisances on Little Folly, and interposing a strong 
obstacle to the passage of the enemy in that direction. With 
full respect for the opinion of the Inspector General, my own 
is, that had the matter been left as it was, the works would not 
have been done to the present time. 



20 

So far as the re-instating of Mr. Cheves to the superintend- 
ence of the works on Morris Island is concerned, or rather his 
returning to the duty which he abandoned, he havifig removed 
/limse/f from si/ch works as he was engaged upon, I have no ob- 
jections, but trust, however, that the work will be done in 
reasonable time, and its delays be on such reasons as will ad- 
mit of no doubt of their necessity. 

There are some matters connected with the performance of 
engineer duties in this command to which I beg respectfully to 
call the attention of the Commanding General. Lieut. Col. 
Roman, in his report mentions District Engineers, &c. Now, 
vmder the present arrangement for that duty, engineer officers 
appear to consider themselves absolutely independent of in- 
structions from, or the views or wishes of the District Com- 
mander, and the commanding officer of Forts and works. Up 
to this time I have not received from the chief engineer or any 
other, any plan, drawing, or description of works or repairs 
of works which are going on under that corps within my com- 
mand. Orders No. 95 direct that these works shall be done 
only under orders from Department Headquarters, except 
under certain contingencies, and they have apparently been so 
interpreted as to lead to engineers withholding from officers 
who are to man and defend the works, and to be held respon- 
sible for them, information respecting such operations as are 
going on within their commands. The location and general 
plans of works by the provisions of General Orders No. 95, 
are to be made by the superior authority and knowledge of the 
Commanding General ; but I respectfully submit that informa- 
tion of what has received his approval, should, in justice, be 
communicated to commanding officers, that the distinction 
should be made between what is done with his knowledge and 
sanction, and what is undertaken by subordinate engineers. 
Meantime, under these orders, engineers apply for and receive 
details, employ them, or keep them unemployed, without re- 
sponsibility to the officers from whose commands the details 
are drawn. Moreover, these orders forbid works, however 
necessary, to be undertaken by District or other commanders 
in contingencies, except by orders to and through an engineer 
officer, who, under ordinary circumstances, appears to be 
perfectly independent of such commanders. This is modified 
to some extent by Special Orders No. 56, but action under 



21 

that order appears to have led to difficulty, and the complaint 

that the engineer has been superceded, and the complaint has 
been sustained. 

1 - opine it cannot be the intention of the orders to place 
District commanders or commanding officers under the orders 
of the chief engineer or others of his corps, but I respectfully 
suggest, that at present it gives to these officers, upon any 
occasion which may require special action, the power of ob- 
structing and injuring the public service if any differences of 
opinion arise. 

My action in causing the batteries at the southern end of 
Morris Island to be prepared for service to oppose an enemy, 
whose guns were mounted and in readiness to open fire, 
having been disapproved, and the disapproval being apparently 
based on the system of engineer operations at present existing, 
some of the features of which 1 have noticed, leads me to ask 
the following questions, which I beg respectfully, may be 
answered for present record and future reference : 

Is the commanding officer of a District forbidden to avail 
himself of such works as he may know to be necessary for the 
defence of any point of his command, which he can provide by 
means at his disposal, unless these works are planned and 
erected by engineer officers ? 

Is the commanding officer of a District expected to yield his 
conviction of the necessities of the service within his command, 
and to be debarred the privilege of action thereon by any 
officer of the engineer department, though such officer be his 
inferior in rank ? 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. S. RIF'LEY, Brigadier Gefi I Comd'g. 
To Brigadier General Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 



22 

Headquarters Department S. C, Ga. & Fla. 

Charleston, S. C, July ist, 1863. 

General : — The subject matter of your communication of 
the 25th ultimo, has been considered by the Commanding 
General, who instructs me to acquaint you with his answers as 
follows, to two questions submitted by you. 

I St. The commanding officer of a District is not forbidden to 
avail himself of such works as he may be assured are necessary 
for the defence of any points or position within the limits of 
his command, and which he may be able to throw up with the 
means at his disposal. But all such works must be reported as 
soon as practicable to the Department Commander for his 
information, and for his orders, should ^he consider them in 
part or whole, unnecessary. 

2nd. District Commanders have no other control over works 
ordered for construction under the chief engineer, than has 
been already provided for in General Orders No. 95, from 
these Headquarters, and Special Orders No. 56, same series, 
and Paragraph V. Special Orders No. 131, June 27th, 1S63. 

The Commanding General, however, will always be pleased 
to receive from District Commanders, any reports touching 
the manner in which works are executed within their depart- 
ment, as also any recommendations or suggestions as to works 
regarded by them as necessary for the effective defence of their 
District. 

There can properly be no question of rank between a Dis- 
trict or other Commander and the Engineer Staff of these 
Headquarters, who act siniph^ under the orders of the Com- 
manding General, who hopes, moreover, that hereafter there 
will be complete harmony between the different branches of 
the service in the Department. 

Any acts tending to destroy good feeling and produce irrita- 
tions, will meet his unqualified disapprobation. 

The chief engineer will be instructed to communicate freely 
with District Commanders, concerning all works to be con- 
structed in their District. 

Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
(Signed) THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff. 

To Brigadier General R. S. Ripley, Comd'g ist Military 
District, Charleston, S. C. 



23 

In the foregoing correspondence, the principal views and 
opinions in reference to the fortifications of the southern end 
of Morris Island, are expressed. 

As by the decision of the Commanding General, it was to be 
carried on exclusively under engineer officers, it was left to 
their supervision about the 21st of June. Little was attempted 
and little accomplished. 

The enemy attacked and carried the point on the morning of 
July 10th, 1863, about three weeks after the preparation to 
receive them had been left in the hands of the Engineer Depart- 
ment. 



Headquarters First Military District, 

Mount Pleasant, Nov. 23rd, 1863. 

General : I have the honor to bring to the attention of the 
Commanding General, the fact that some weeks since I report- 
ed that certain work Avas necessary to protect the eastern flank 
of Battery Marshall from an enfilade and reverse fire, from 
monitors or iron-clads of the enemy, which may take position 
in the Maffit channel, at a distance of from one and a quarter 
to one and a half miles. 

Colonel D. H. Hamilton having been assigned to the com- 
mand of the troops in that vicinity, was directed by me to make 
an examination and report upon the wants of the position, to 
ascertain the number of tools disposable, and to state what 
amount of work could be done by the troops to supply the de- 
ficiences of the engineers. This Avas done by him on the ist 
and 2nd instant, and was duly reported to the Headquarters of 
the Department. 

I was instructed by telegraph to employ the troops to do the 
work in question. Tlie tools could not be obtained from the 
engineer supply, and requisition was made by my order on the 
Quartermaster's Department for them. Delavs occurred from 
day to day, not only in obtaining them, but even in ascertain- 
ing whether they could be procured, owing to some misunder- 
standing amongst the officers of that department in Charleston, 
over whom I have no control. After sometime a certain 
quantity were available from different sources, which Col. 
Hamilton proceeded to use for the object indicated, in what I 
have believed to have been the most simple and effectual method. 



24 

Some weeks after the matter had been brought forward, Lievit. 
Col. Harris, chief engineer, visited Battery Marshall, and find- 
ing that the work was to progress, proceeded to lay ovit a piece 
of fortification, without consultation with the Dristrict Com- 
mander, and in direct opposition to the views of Colonel Ham- 
ilton. This was in effect as reported, a miniature citadel, which 
would not effect the object indicated, and apparently, if finished, 
is to be used as a place of last resort, should the enemy take 
possession of the eastern portion of the work, which can only 
be done by a coup de main, after crossing a rapid tide-way, or 
by the effects of a crushing bombardment from Long Island, to 
which the proposed citadel would be as much exposed as the 
rest of the work. The development of the proposed citadel is 
quite as great or greater than of that deemed more efficacious 
by the local commander and myself. 

Under the orders to protect the western flank from an enfilade 
and reverse fire. Colonel Hamilton, as I deem, very properly 
declined to employ his force on the citadel, as called by Lieut. 
Col. Harris. I received a telegram on the subject, asking the 
nature of the work, and replied also by telegraph. Soon after 
I received directions from the Head-quarters of the Department, 
that no work was to be done at Battery Marshall, unless 
approved and directed by engineers, and they were transmitted 
accordingly. To the best of my knowledge the directions have 
been obeyed. The work however faulty or meritorious, has 
progressed slowly, although I am informed that every detail 
applied for has been furnished. 

While these matters transpired, a communication was received 
warning me that an attack by landing in boats on Sullivan 
Island and other places was imminent. After having carefully 
looked to the means of defence at my disposal, and made 
requisitions to fill deficiences, I ordered the dispositions men- 
tioned in a circular of the 8th inst., which was duly transmitted 
to the Head-quarters of the Department. The directions con- 
tained in that circular have not been to my knowledge disap- 
proved by the General Commanding, and the officers command- 
ing sub-divisions have proceeded to carry them out and provide 
against the dangers specified. In consultation with Brigadier 
General Clingman and Col. Hamilton, it was thought proper to 



25 

do certain temporary work, with such limited resources as were 
at hand, for the more certain execution of these instructions. 
Both these officers proceeded to do the work. 

Meantime Lieut. Col. Harris, I am given to understand, in- 
terferes again, lays out lines which interfere with those estab- 
lished with my approval by Col. Hamilton, and directs details, 
implements, etc., in a manner unmistakeably at variance with 
the measures adopted by the local, with the approval of the 
District Commander. This was in a matter, too, over which he 
properly had no control, and which had not been mentioned by 
any engineer before the work commenced. 

The effect of this particular interference may be of small 
moment. In consideration of the temporary character of the 
work, and present indications of the enemy's course, it probably 
will be. But it is one of a series of acts on the part of the 
engineers, under a system which has obtained, referring to 
General Orders No. 95, from Department Head-quarters of the 
series of 1862, by which practically the alternative is presented 
to commanding officers, to submit the defence of the localities 
with which they are charged to inferior and oftentimes incom- 
petent officers of the engineers, or to dispense with artificial 
advantages altogether. 

In entering, as I have now the honor to do, a protest against 
the continuance of a system by which the best interests of the 
service, the safety of one of our most vital positions, the welfare 
of the communities looking to the officers and soldiers here 
employed for safety, and in no small degree the success of our 
cause, are confided practically to officers of a staff department 
whose administration has been characterized by inactivity, 
oftentimes faulty dispositions, waste of labor entrusted them 
for special purpose, and confined to their control by the Com- 
manding General, it is fitting that I should refer to other in- 
stances than that just quoted, which may or may not be hurtful 
in itself. The principle is the same, and the history of the past 
few months has abundant material to justify this communica- 
tion. 

Going no further back than the 7th of April last, it is well 
known that but little was done by the engineers to refit and 
and repair the defences of Fort Sumter, that the effort to give 
outside protection was trifling, the replenishing the stores of 
sand taken from the parade, slow and inefficient ; and as I had 



26 

the honor to inform the Head-quarters of the Department on 
the 24th of May last, that the work for the protection of the 
southern end of Morris Island, and the communication of that 
Island with James Island were dilatory in the extreme. In that 
communication one cause of the non-preparation to meet an 
attack sooner or later to be apprehended from that direction 
was stated to be in my opinion the carelessness and inattention 
of engineer officers. Efforts were made to supply their de- 
ficiences, but these brought about complaints from the chief 
engineer and others, and the matter was referred to an Inspector 
General, the character of whose investigation was demonstrated 
by the looseness of his remarks and the fallacy of his official 
predictions. I allude, to exemplify this, to his statement of the 
transportation in the service of the engineers, and his predictions 
that the communication between James and Morris Island 
would be established in two weeks from the date of his report. 
Three weeks after it was not half finished, and hardly a bridge 
over a single creek was passable by single men. 

In answering a letter which I had the honor to receive some- 
time later, from the Commanding General, containing thirty- 
one interrogations, some of which related to this subject in this 
way : " Why were not they (the works alluded to) completed ?" 
and " Was it not from the want of labor, &c. ?" I had the honor 
to refer to the correspondence as containing some of the 
reasons. 

The matter had, however, been so completely taken from my 
hands, and from other commanders, by the decision of the 
General Commanding, that I could then see no immediate; 
good effect to be derived from repeating what was in that cor- 
respondence so explicitly stated. As the responsibility of the 
failure did not attach to me, I referred to that correspondence, 
and with the statement that it was entirely in the hands of the 
engineers, who alleged that they had not labor sufficient, left 
the matter for the time. 

It was to have been hoped that when the labor was furnished, 
an efficient use would have been made of it, and it is not urged 
that some progress to repair disasters and guard against new 
ones has not been made. Energy has been displayed at dif- 
ferent times by different officers of the engineers in a high 
degree, but it is a fact, that at almost every time the offensive 
operations of the enemy have ceased wholly or in part, the 



27 

fortifications in charge of tliat department have progressed 
slowly in the extreme. This negligence and want of vigor 
have entailed disasters, and although stubborn valor of the 
troops, natural and other obstacles in the way of the enemy, 
and spasmodic activity on the part of the engineers and other 
staff departments, have retarded hostile progress, yet, it can- 
not be that in truth, a brilliant defence, resulting in final dis- 
aster should be allowed fully to atone for the failure to use 
those means which, if employed in time, would have secured 
immunity or success. 

Instances of dilatory action on the part of the engineers, 
during the period succeeding the evacuation of batteries 
Wagner and Gregg, can be found in the four or five weeks 
delay, deliberating on the shield for the renewed batteries of 
Fort Sumter, in the insufficient supply of material for the con- 
struction of the bomb-proofs, simple as they are, there re- 
quired, in the slow progress of the works on Sullivan and 
James Islands, in the faulty disposition and slow progress of 
the works of defence at Battery Marshall — a work in the same 
relative position to Sullivan's, that the south end was to Morris 
Island, and the loss of which will entail similar, but greater, 
disasters. 

As for waste of labor, reference can be had to the gangs of 
negroes, which some time ago, were days in the streets of 
Charleston idle, to the manner in which they are employed, 
apparent to most officers who have seen them work, and which 
has oftentimes been reported both orally and in writing to the 
Headquarters of the Department. Improvements in these 
things is generally apparent only on occasion of imminent 
danger, and credit is claimed for what is then done in an in- 
verse ratio to the responsibility which properly attaches to 
what has been left undone before. 

I might cite instances, and complete specifications in extenso, 
but those to which 1 have alluded, I refer to as giving cavise 
for this communication, objecting to the system pursued of 
making officers of this department, no matter what their cap- 
acity, to a great extent the controllers of our military defence. 

It is true that in answer to inquiries which were sometime 
since made by myself, it was said that District Commanders 
were not forbidden to make use of such means as were at their 
disposal to protect points within their command. But the 



28 

provisos attached to this authority, and the action pvirsued, 
has shown it to amount to next to nothing. Indeed, it seems 
to be that whenever anything is done to endeavor to repair the 
deficiencies of this department, it is quite sufficient to excite 
the interference and opposition of the chief engineer, who 
pursues a course of action looking much like obstruction. 
That is, being unable or unwilling to effect the necessary pur- 
pose, it is endeavored to prevent others from doing it — and in 
this he has hitherto been sustained. 

Several times since the 7th of April last has it been stated in 
communications from the Headquarters of the Department 
that officers of the engineers were directed to communicate 
freely with District and other commanders, and furnish them 
with information concerning the works progressing in their 
commands. I have the honor to report that not once within 
the last five months have I received from any engineer officer 
whatever any information concerning any works except 
what I have sought, and in some instances tliis has been given 
with extreme unAvillingness and delay. Meantime, the works 
progress in the usual way, some of which are or may be useful, 
some faulty and of no moment, and others of high necessity. 
Guns are to be shifted, cut off from their field of fire, &c., with 
no reference to the commanders, and not very much regard in 
some instances to the capacities of the armament, or the service 
which is to be performed. 

Engineer officers make requisitions for details, employ them 
as they please, leave them unemployed, and in some cases even 
employees not commissioned, seem to think that their judg- 
ment and authority is superior to District and other com- 
manders. These facts are palpable. They have been hitherto 
presented to the Headquarters of the Department, and the 
system has been sustained. 

Were the works progressing for the defence of our important 
points going on with energy ; were the dispositions such as 
would effect their object ; were the labor properly applied and 
not often times wasted ; and were it not that by the working 
of the system and the assumption of some of these officers, the 
defence of positions is practically taken from the commanders 
and entrusted to those whose fitness for such confidence can be 
judged of by the loose and inattentive manner in which many 
perform their duties in their own sphere, it might be a duty to 



29 

submit to the system without further remark, however averse 
it may be to the integrity of military operations. But I beg 
respectfully to state that the condition of these things is so 
different from that indicated, that I deem it my duty to bring 
the matter again to the notice of the Headquarters of the De- 
partment in the manner which I have done. 

The action of the engineer department certainly contributed 
but little to the protection of the south end of Morris Island, 
although months were afforded them. It is true that the 
ultimate cause of our weakness in that direction can be traced 
to a different sovirce, yet the full share of the responsibility for 
the loss of those points which we have hitherto sustained, the 
annoyance and injuries now being inflicted on Charleston, and 
the danger to the people and cause must attach to those who 
neglected a palpably necessary work, and moreover interfered 
to prevent its execution by others. 

That such a course of events shall not obtain with those 
points of vital importance now in our possession, and especially 
with those in my command, some change in the system at 
present pursued, I believe, should be adopted. Hence the pro- 
test which I have made in the early part of this communication, 
and which I have the honor respectfully to renew. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier Gen I Comd'g. 

To Brigadier General Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 



[ENDORSEMENTS.] 

Headquarters First Military District, 

Mount Pleasant, Nov. 23rd, 1863. 

Respectfully referred to Brigadier General Clingman, Colonel 
D. H. Hamilton, and Col. L. M. Keitt, sub-divisional command- 
ers, who are requested to endorse hereon, whether or not the 
remarks in regard to the operations of the engineers, contained 
in the within paper, are not sustained by the facts which have 
come under their observations within their several commands. 

R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier Ge?il Comd'g. 



30 

Headquarters, Mount Pleasant, Nov. 27th, 1863. 

I believe that the remarks contained in the within communi- 
cation, in reference to the engineers, are just, so far as the facts 
come within the sphere of my observation. 

Respectfully returned, 

L. M. KEITT, Colonel Comntanding. 



Headquarters, Sullivan's Island, Nov. 24th, 1863. 

In compliance with the desire of the District Commander, I 
have respectfully to state that I have long been satisfied that 
the interest of the service would be greatly promoted by the 
engineers being subject to the direction of the commander of 
the district or post, who is more likely to know what is neces- 
sary for its defence than his subordinates in military rank. 
Had such a system prevailed on this Island, I am convinced 
that its defences would have been far more advanced than they 
are, notwithstanding the large amount of labor available here. 
It is not, I presume, necessary for me to state the numerous 
facts observed, which lead me to the expression of this opinion, 
embracing in some instances cases of misapplication of labor, 
but more generally of extraordinary failures to call it into 

exercise 

T. L. CLINGMAN, Brigadier General. 



Headquarters Outposts, 
Sullivan's Island, Battery Marshall, Nov. 24th, 1863. 

Respectfully returned with the remarks, that so far as the 
engineer's work at Battery Marshall is concerned, I would 
respectfully state, that it has been conducted in a most dilatory 
manner, and that the work still remains in an unfinished con- 
dition, much impairing the effectiveness of several guns for im- 
mediate service. Nor do I consider the new work which has 
been commenced with a detail of soldiers, as calculated to add 
at all to the protection of Battery Marshall, from a flank and 

reverse fire. 

D. H. HAMILTON, Colonel Commanding. 



31 

(Copy) Inspector General's Office, 

Charleston, S. C, Nov. 25th, 1863. 

To Brigadier General R. S. Ripley, Comd'g ist Military 
District, Mount Pleasant — 

General : — I am instructed by Department Headquarters to 
institute an exhaustive inquiry into the circumstances connected 
with the movements of the enemy on Folly and Morris Islands, 
ending in the events of the loth July, 1863, and to confer on 
the subject by correspondence or otherwise, with the General 
then commanding the First Military District of South Carolina, 
and with the different officers in immediate command of our 
troops on Morris Island. In furtherance of said instructions, I 
have drawn a series of interrogatories to which I respectfully 
call your attention, begging of you to forward me your written 
answers to the same : 

I. State what were the movements of the enemy at the en- 
trance of Charleston Harbor, and more particularly at the 
south end of Morris Island, between the ist and the loth of 
July last ? 

II. What were the movements of the enemy on and about 
Folly Island ? 

III. What were his forces on the Island ? 

IV. How was the attack made by the enemy ? 

V. What forces had we on Morris Island, and under whose 
command were they ? Who commanded the artillery forces ? 
Who commanded the infantry forces ? 

VI. Was the attack of the enemy a surprise, or was it antici- 
pated ? If a surprise, to what extent ? 

VII. At what point did the enemy land on Morris Island, on 
the morning of the loth July, and at what o'clock ? 

VIII. State the disposition of our troops, and by whose order 
so disposed ? 

IX. How was the artillery supported ? 



32 

X. In what formations and in what numbers did the enemy 
advance on our positions ? 

XI. At what o'clock did our troops fall back, and by whose 
order ? 

XII. When our troops fell back, what was the enemy's posi- 
tion, and what their estimated forces ? 

XIII. State the different directions from which the enemy's 
guns opened on us, both by sea and land ? 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
(Signed) ALFRED KOMAy<, Adji/ta/if a /i,U, is fr Gen. 



Headquarters First Military District, 

Mount Pleasant, Nov. 27th, 1863. 

General : — I have the honor to inform you that I yesterday 
received from Lieut. Col. Alfred Roman, Acting Inspector 
General, a letter informing me that he had been directed by 
Department Headquarters, to institute an exhaustive inquiry 
into the circumstances connected with the movements of the 
enemy on Folly and Morris Islands, ending in the events of the 
loth of July, 1863. Also, propounding certain interrogatories. 
I have replied to Lieut. Col. Roman, stating that his interroga- 
tories will be answered as soon as the necessary papers, which 
are not immediately at hand can be procured. They have been 
sent for. 

I take the occasion, however, respectfully to suggest that, 
valuable as may be the facts which may be elicited by Lieut. 
Col. Roman, any conclusions derived and expressed in connec- 
tion therewith by that officer, can have no more importance 
than the opinion of any individual of his estimable character. 
The military knowledge and experience possessed by Lieut. 
Col. Roman, have not so generally been set forth and under- 
stood as to entitle them to more, and I am unaware of any 
general custom of service, or the provisions of any military law, 
by which inquisitional functions of this character can be exer- 
cised by an Inspector General in such wise as to carry official 
weight. 



< 



The opinion is furthermore sustained in great part by the 
character of the report made by this officer on the i8th of June 
last, which antecedent to the events now to be subjected to 
inquiry, related to certain operations of the engineers and others 
in preparation for the attack which eventually took place. 
With the request that this paper be filed with any report which 
may be made on the subject, 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier Ge?il Comd'g. 
To Brigadier General Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 



Note.— This communication was unofficially returned on the loth of December, 1867. bv 
Brigadier General Jordan, Chief of Staff. 



Headquarters First Military District, 

Mount Pleasant, December 4th, 1863. 

Colonel : — In answer to the several interrogatories in your 
letter of the 25th ultimo, I have the honor to state as follows, 
according to their numbers : 

To the first interrogatory : The operations of the enemy's fleet 
at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, between the ist and loth 
of July last, consisted principally in keeping up the blockade 
until the 10th, when his iron-clads had crossed the bar. They 
then cannonaded the position at the south end of the Island. 

To the second interrogatory : The movements of the enemy on 
and about Folly Island, consisted in fortifying across the neck 
of Big Folly, picketing strongly on Little Folly, interfering 
with working parties at work, from time to time, on the steamer 
Ruby, and during the last three days or so, working parties 
were engaged at some labor, supposed at the time, and after- 
wards proven, to be batteries for siege guns, although lighter 
in their character. 



34 

To the third hiterrogatory : It was known tliat the force on 
Folly was considerable from the time of their landing in April, 
and about the middle of June was considerable, from one to 
two Brigades. This force was increased to abovit four or more 
by the loth of Jvily. A considerable portion la«ded on Coles 
and James Islands. 

To the fourth interrogatory : The attack was made by the 
enemy opening from twenty to thirty guns, mounted on Little 
Folly, and from gunboats in Folly River, on the batteries at 
the south end of Morris Island, and the position at Oyster 
Point. Later, fire was opened from the monitors, which had 
crossed the bar. This cannonade commenced at day-light, and 
continued, according to my information, to about seven o'clock, 
when the enemy advanced in a flotilla of boats, containing from 
two to three thousand men, on Oyster Point, a considerable 
portion of which endeavored to effect and hold a landing, in 
which they were opposed by the infantry and artillery, until 
about eight o'clock when another force of about two regiments 
effected a landing in front of the batteries on Morris Island. 

To the fifth interrogatory : On Morris Island we had the 21st 
Regiment S. C. V., numbering about six hundred, two com- 
panies of the I St S. C. Artillery, about two hundred ; two com- 
panies of Artillery at Battery Wagner, about one hundred and 
twenty ; a detachment of about forty at Battery Gregg ; a 
detachment of the ist S. C. Infantry, under Capt. Haskell ; and 
a small detachment of couriers. In round numbers, the whole 
force was about one thousand strong for the entire Island. The 
returns now on hand, do not show the exact numbers on the 
dates specified, but the above is not far from exact. Col. Gra- 
ham reported but some over four hundred of his regiment as 
effective. Col. R. T. Graham, 21st S. C. Vols., commanded the 
Island ; Major McFee, of the same regiment, being in immediate 
command of the infantry. Lieut. Col. Jos. A. Yates, ist S. C. 
Artillery, commanded the artillery. The two companies at the 
southern batteries were commanded by Capt. John Mitchell, of 
the same regiment. 

To the sixth interrogatory : The attack of the enemy was not a 
surprise, in so far that it had been anticipated. As early as the 
24th of May his activity and continued occupation of Folly 



35 

Island were deemed demonstrative of his intentions, unless we 
were fully prepared to receive his attack. Efforts were made 
to cause the works to be prepared in such manner as would 
enable them to be held by the small force at our disposal, and 
reported to Department Headquarters. By orders from De- 
partment Headquarters, the business was confined to the con- 
trol of the engineers, and but little was accomplished. It was 
a surprise in so far as the enemy got in readiness and opened 
fire before we were in proper condition to receive and beat him. 
This, in the condition of the works, could only be done by a 
force of infantry, which was ordered from different points on 
the 8th, by the Commanding General, and expected to be in 
position on the night of the 9th, the extent of eight hundred or 
one thousand men. None, however, arrived on the Island until 
the morning of the tenth, when the action commenced. Nel- 
son's 7th S. C. Battalion arrived at that time, about two hun- 
dred and fifty strong, and was in time to do some service near 
the batteries, and to assist in covering the retreat. 

The seventh interrogatory is answered in the reply to the 
fourth. 

To the eighth interrogatory: Two companies of the ist S. C. 
Artillery, as before stated, held the southern batteries. Four 
companies of Colonel Graham's regiment were on picket and 
guard near Oyster Point, and the remainder of the regiment 
with the detachment of the ist S. C. Infantry, were near the 
northwest of the southern batteries. When the enemy threat- 
ened Oyster Point, the whole of this force, Col. Graham re- 
ports as having advanced to the support of his troops in that 
direction. It was intended that Nelson's Battalion should sup- 
port the batteries, and the advanced troops so soon as it had 
arrived. These dispositions were made by Col. Graham. I had 
visited the Island during the night of the 9th, and conferred 
with Cols. Graham and Yates. An officer was in waiting all 
night at the landing to conduct Nelson's Battalion to its posi- 
tion, if it had arrived. 

To the ninth interrogatory : From such reports as I have re- 
ceived, I believe the batteries to have been unsupported except 
by their extra cannoniers, until late in the action, when two 
companies of Nelson's got up and rendered some support. 



36 

To the tenth interrogatory : It has been reported to me that the 
enemy formed, after landing, under cover of their artillery, 
threw out his skirmishers and advanced in line of battle, from 
his two points of landing. His force at each point being as 
heretofore stated from two to three thousand at Oyster Point, 
and about one thousand or twelve hundred on the south beach 
in front of the batteries. 

To the eleventh interrogatory : According to my information 
the troops held the force at Oyster Point in check, and pre- 
vented their advance on the main Island until the landing on 
the beach and the storm of the batteries, when they gave way, I 
believe without orders except from those officers in the im- 
mediate vicinity of the positions successively overpowered. 

To the twelfth interrogatory : When our troops fell back, the 
enemy was advancing, as I am informed, in line, in all number- 
ing, say three thousand, and receiving reinforcements. 

The thirteenth interrogatory has been answered in the reply 
to the fourth. 

In conclusion, 1 beg to state that the batteries on the south 
end of Morris Island were simple detached works, without 
communications, and separate from each other in some cases by 
intervals of two or three hundred yards, and that from the time 
they were commenced in March until their capture, no very 
vigorous measures were carried out by those in whose charge 
they had been placed by the Commanding General, to make 
them tenable by a small force against such an attack as was 
made upon them. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier General. 

To Lieut. Col. Alfred Roman, Inspector General. 



37 

Inspector General's Office, 

Charleston, S. C, Dec. 12th, 1863. 

To Brigadier General R. S. Ripley, Comd'g ist Military 
District, S. C. : 

General : — The General Commanding instructs me to in- 
form you that he does not clearly see the relevancy of part of 
your answer to my 6th interrogatory, as set forth in my com- 
munication to you, dated the 25th of November last. He 
desires your answers to the following queries : 

I. Which of the two Islands, Morris or Sullivan's, offer 
greater natural advantages for a combined attack by land and 
sea ? 

II. What forces of each arm do you consider would have 
been required on the loth July, 1863, to have secured the safety 
of each Island ? 

III. What forces of each arm had you on each of those 
Islands at that period ? 

IV. What forces of each arm have you now on Sullivan's 
Island and in your District, within one hour's march of that 
Island ? 

V. How many soldiers were available to work on the de- 
fences of Morris Island prior to the loth of July, 1863 ? 

VI. How long would it have taken you, at that period, (ad- 
mitting that you had the sole control of the available working 
forces on Morris Island, of soldiers and hired men, the latter 
being ten in number) to have made the defences ordered on 
the south end of the Island as strong as Battery Marshall is at 
present ? 

VII. When were the works ordered and when commenced ? 

VIII. To what extent would the construction of those works 
prior to the loth of July last, have permitted the reduction of 
the forces you state would have been required to secure the 
safety of that Island ? 

It is, of course, assumed that the works required on James 
Island and other important points would not have permitted 
more white or black laborers to have been sent to Morris 
Island at that time. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
(Signed) ALFRED ROMAN, Adjutant and Ins fr Gen. 



38 

Headquarters First Military District, 
Mount Pleasant, S. C, Dec. i6th, 1863. 

Colonel : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
your communication of the 12th December. The Commanding 
General, you inform me, does not clearly see the relevancy of 
part of my answer to the sixth interrogatory propounded by 
you on the 25th of November. This I regret, but having been 
in the dark as to the exact purpose of the inquiry which you 
conduct, it seemed to me that answers to interrogatories so 
propounded should be full, and especially when opinions are 
asked or the expression of them suggested directly or other- 
wise. 

I shall proceed to answer those contained in your last letter, 
and should more be expressed than is deemed relevant by the 
Commanding General, those portions of the answers which 
are, can be made use of by whoever draws conclusions. I can 
hardly think that the remainder can do harm to the complete- 
ness of your investigation, as they are given to avoid the 
necessity of interrogatories likely to arise, if the answers are 
absolutely categorical (not often expected in examinations of 
this nature) or the expression of my convictions, germain to 
the conjectured general subject. 

In answer to your first interrogatory : The natural advantages 
offered by each of the two Islands, Sullivan's and Morris 
Islands f(U- a combined attack by land and sea, are about 
equal. Both are of nearly the same length and the same char- 
acter. Both are separated from the main by creeks and 
marshes, and from adjacent Islands by similar Inlets. The 
water permits a nearer approach to Morris than Sullivan's 
Island for the most of the length, and the creek separating it 
from Folly Island is not so deep as Beach Inlet. In these 
respects Morris Island is the weakest. Any one can see these 
natural features by a simple reference to the chart of Charles- 
ton Harbor or a casual observation. A question might be 
asked as to which of the Islands required particular attention 
or fortification at any period. The consideration of such a 
question would involve the intentions of the enemy probable 
or vmderstood, and the relative importance and care of his 
approach to either, and his attitude at that time. 



39 

To your second interrogatory : The force of each arm requisite 
at any time to have secured the safety of each Island, depends 
entirely upon the attack made or anticipated. Twenty-five 
hundred infantry with the artillery-men upon the Island, 
would, probably, have repulsed the attack on Morris Island on 
the loth of July. Probably fewer would have sufficed, but that 
number, or any other, would have failed to give security with- 
out proper works. The greater the strength of the works the 
greater force could have been employed, and greater security 
attained against a stronger attack. "Without protective works, 
the Island being open to sea and land attack, its natural 
features being its only available protections, too great a number 
would not have added to its security. With regard to Sul- 
livan's Island, so long as it was not immediately threatened by a 
land attack, one thousand infantry and a regiment of artillerists 
seemed like a sufficiency. The number of artillerists depend 
of covirse on the guns in position. If Sullivan's Island were in 
danger of being attacked as Morris Island was, it would have 
required as many men. Certain artificial advantages of com- 
munication and works gave to Sullivaxi's Island advantages 
over Morris Island for defence, and if I remember aright, in 
the early part of the month of July, arid for months previously 
the bulk of the enemy's forces, his works and movements in- 
dicated an attack, if he attacked at all, on Morris rather than 
Sullivan's Island. 

To your third interrogatory : The returns are not immediately 
at hand. The question has been answered I think several times. 
I will give you the approximation on Morris Island on the loth 
of July : there was the 21st S. C. Vols., about six luxndred ; two 
companies of artillery at Batter)- Wagner, about one hundred 
and twenty ; a detachment of about forty at Battery Gregg ; 
and a detachment of fifty of ist S. C. Infantry, and a small de- 
tachment of couriers. In round numbers the whole force was 
about one thousand for the entire Island. On Sullivan's Island 
on the loth of July, there were the ist S. C. Infantry, acting as 
artillery, sa)^ five hundred strong, and three companies of the 
20th S. C. Vols., about two hundred and fifty, with a detachment 
of cavalry as couriers, in all about eight hundred strong. The 
artillery force was heavy on account of the batteries guarding 
the harbor. Five companies of the 20th S. C. Vols., had been 



40 

withdrawn when the immediate land attack was threatened on 
Morris or James Island to reinforce James Island, where there 
was a large space to defend if the enemy chose to attack, and in 
the vicinity of which he had a considerable force. Two others 
were detached to the northern batteries in Christ Church. 

To your fourth interrogatory : In the first Military District 
there are now, December i6th, 3,315 infantry ; 1,015 heavy 
artillery; 284 light artillery, and 129 cavalry. Effective in all 
4,779. But it must be remembered that what was necessary 
before the late occurences in this harbor for the defense of 
Sullivan's Island cannot be referred to as any standard of com- 
parison with what is necessary now. Then Sullivan's Island 
was one of three points of defence for the outer harbor, now it 
is the only point. Then the enemy was in force and at work in 
another direction ; now he has no other point of attack in the 
outer harbor except the ruins of Fort Sumter. Then Sumter 
gave protection to much of its shore ; now Sumter requires its 
protection. Then the enemy had, if from his land positions he 
wished to organize a night attack in boats, to do it at long dis- 
tances. The loss of Morris Island and the crippling of Fort 
Sumter has shortened the distances by ten miles. No security 
exists against such an attack but to employ heavy guards along 
the shores, and to have strong supports and forces to defend the 
sand hills and works, and being the only strong defence to the 
outer harbor the importance of Sullivan's Island has risen with 
its liability to attack. 

To your fifth interrogatory : One hundred soldiers per diem 
were directed to be at the disposal of the engineers on Morris 
Island for most of the time prior to the loth of July. Two 
hundred were available from the time the detached batteries 
were ordered about March loth, 1863, if they had been called 
for and the works were to be pressed with energy. About one 
hundred and sixty were employed for a short time under my 
directions in the early part of June until the further work under 
artillery officers was forbidden. 

Your sixth interrogatory is a suppositious one, and proposes a 
comparison. If confined to your suppositions, the answer must 
be confined also, and I think that with the control of the avail- 



41 

able forces and the ten hired men, a work at the south end of 
Morris Island could have been erected as strong for all practical 
purposes as Battery Marshall now is, in about six or eight 
weeks. But I may, in concluding my answer, be allowed to 
suggest that had the matter been under the control of the 
District Commander, he would probably have availed himself 
of other means, than such as are supposed in your enquiry, and 
employed such as were available in a manner somewhat different 
from that in which they were employed. Moreover, I do not 
consider that Battery Marshall is by any means the model of a 
work at present, nor that any energetic measures have been 
taken to strengthen it by the engineers for the past three or 
four months. • 

To your seventh interrogatory : Such works as were ordered, 
were ordered about the the loth of March, 1863, and commenced 
a few days after. 

Vour eighth interrogatory, like the sixth, contains suppositions, 
and must be answered in a similar manner. Good works com- 
pleted before the loth July Avould probably have enabled the 
garrison which was on Morris Island to have repulsed the 
attack on that day, and have given time for the accumulation 
of forces to its supports. The safety of the Island could only 
have been insured by defending it, fortified or unfortified, with 
a force proportionate to the attack. The probabilities are that 
had the south end of Morris Island been properly fortified, it 
would not have been attacked, in which case the strength of the 
garrison which was on the Island would have sufficed. Had 
the attack been made and persisted in, the position would have 
required support accordingly by a greater or less number. 
With regard to the assumption in the latter part of the question, 
it does not alter the case in my opinion at all, and beg to state 
that I have my doubts as to whether I should, were I called to 
express an opinion upon the question of available labor, 
entirely concur in it. 

In conclusion, I would state that almost every fact called for 
by your questions has been heretofore communicated to the 
Headquarters of the Department, in official reports or corres- 
pondence, and that prospective opinions concerning the fortifi- 



42 

cation and preparation of the south end of Morris Island for 
defence, were not often asked from the District Commander. 
When given and action was taken to carry out in part what 
was deemed necessary, the action was checked, and the opinions 
neglected. Retrospective opinions, such as called for by your 
inquiries, I beg respectfully to suggest, can only be properly 
compared with those expressed at or before the time, and I would 
respectfully refer as a proper exponent of such opinions to the 
correspondence commencing the 24th of May, 1863, on the sub- 
ject. The occupation of Folly Island and the attack of the 
enemy, were deemed by me demonstrative of an attack to be 
apprehended sooner or later, and although temporary movements 
of the enemy, caused by annoyance from partially constructed 
works, or intelligence from Richmond, or the probabilities of 
the enemy's necessities, or the result of such reconnoisances as 
it was possible to make, might have changed the immediate 
aspect, yet so long as the point was unprepared, the attack 
sooner or later was to have been apprehended, and it came 
before the works were finished, although certain of them had 
been ordered four months previously, and the probabilities of 
the point being attacked grew stronger day by day, interrupted 
temporarily only by the causes mentioned above. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. S. RIPLEY, Brigadier Gen I Comd'g. 

To Col. Alfred Roman, Inspector General. 



43 

{ENDORSEMENT ON GENERAL RIPLEY'S LETTER OF 
NOVEMBER 23d, 1863.] 



Headquarters First Military District, 

November 23rd, 1863. 

R. S. Ripley, Brigadier General Commanding, relates to the 
operations of the Engineers Corps, &c. 

Headquarters Department S. C, Ga. & Fla., 

Charleston, S. C, Jan. 6th, 1864. 

This paper is respectfully retvirned to Brigadier General 
Ripley, because the subject matter in the main, cannot legiti- 
mately enter into a communication from him to these Head- 
quarters. 

Brigadier General Ripley, in connection with allegations 
against Staff Officers on duty with Department Headquarters, 
may not properly and elaborately impeach the orders, measures, 
plans and general conduct of operations for the defence of 
Charleston by the Commanding General. 

Brigadier General Ripley may properly bring to the notice of 
the Commanding General, any lack of energy or intelligence 
on the part of officers, w^hich he has observed within the limits 
of his command, or he may prefer, of course, specific charges 
against Col. Harris, or other Staff Officers, which shall be 
brought to the issue of a Court Martial, but it is not his 
province or his right to arraign in the general way the policy 
and measures of the Commanding General, who consequently 
regrets to observe the spirit of this communication. The con- 
stant pressure of current matters connected with the defence of 
this Department, has prevented action on the communication at 
an earlier moment. 

By command of Gen. BEAUREGARD. 

(Signed) Thomas Jordan, Chief of Staff. 



i 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



013 702 403 2 



